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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 67 years old i have invested sbi small cap 1000,sbi magnum mid cap 5000, sbi foccused equity 1000, sbi multi cap 1000, sbi nifty index 1000, sbi balence advantage lumpsump 15 lakh.

Ans: Your investment portfolio seems to have a mix of equity and balanced funds, indicating a moderate to aggressive risk profile. SBI Small Cap, Magnum Mid Cap, Focused Equity, and Multi Cap funds provide exposure to different segments of the equity market, potentially offering growth opportunities but also subject to market volatility. SBI Nifty Index provides exposure to the broader market while the SBI Balanced Advantage Fund may offer a balanced approach with dynamic asset allocation. Considering your age, it's advisable to ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals, and periodically review to rebalance if necessary.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Am 35 yr old, investing maxlife insurance Savings plan - 3k, UTI flexi cap fund - 2k, SBI contra- 0.5k & nippan small cap- 0.5k since from year. Pls suggest any changes required or else can I continue
Ans: At 35 years old, it's commendable that you're actively investing in various financial instruments to secure your financial future. Let's review your current investment portfolio and assess if any changes are needed.

Maxlife Insurance Savings Plan:
Insurance savings plans typically offer a combination of insurance coverage and investment opportunities. While they provide life cover, they may not always offer optimal returns compared to pure investment options. It's essential to review the returns, charges, and benefits of your insurance plan regularly to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:

Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:

Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!

Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund:
Flexi cap funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, providing flexibility to capitalize on opportunities across market segments. As a diversified equity fund, it offers growth potential while spreading risk. Review the fund's performance, expense ratio, and portfolio composition periodically to ensure it remains suitable for your investment objectives.

SBI Contra Fund and Nippon Small Cap Fund:
SBI Contra Fund follows a contrarian investment approach, focusing on undervalued stocks with the potential for long-term growth. Nippon Small Cap Fund invests primarily in small-cap companies with high growth potential. Both funds carry higher risk due to their investment in mid and small-cap stocks. Review their performance, risk profile, and consistency to ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Overall, your investment portfolio appears to be diversified across insurance, large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds. However, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio's performance, risk exposure, and alignment with your financial goals. Consider the following suggestions:

Regularly monitor the performance of each investment and compare it against relevant benchmarks.
Assess your risk tolerance and ensure that your portfolio allocation aligns with your risk appetite.
Review the expense ratios and charges associated with each investment to optimize your returns.

Consider rebalancing your portfolio periodically to maintain diversification and align with changing market conditions.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to receive personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals.

In conclusion, while your current investment portfolio appears diversified, it's essential to review and adjust it periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives. Continuously educate yourself about investment options and seek professional guidance when needed to make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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I am 35 years old I have invested lumpsum amount of 1 lac in quant small cap mf and 1 lac in aditiya birla psu and 1 lac in quant multi asset fund
Ans: You have invested Rs 1 lakh each in:

Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Let’s evaluate your current portfolio and provide suggestions for future investments.

Portfolio Evaluation
Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Growth Potential: High growth potential due to investment in small companies.
Risk: High risk due to volatility in small cap stocks.
Recommendation: Suitable for long-term goals if you can tolerate high risk.
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Stability: Invests in Public Sector Undertakings, providing stability.
Returns: Moderate returns due to limited growth in PSU stocks.
Recommendation: Good for stability and steady income.
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Diversification: Invests in a mix of asset classes (equity, debt, gold).
Risk: Lower risk due to diversification.
Returns: Balanced returns with moderate risk.
Recommendation: Suitable for reducing overall portfolio risk.
Future Investment Strategy
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Regular Investment: Start a SIP in equity mutual funds for disciplined investing.
Growth Potential: Equity funds can provide higher returns over the long term.
Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Large Cap Funds
Stability: Invest in large, well-established companies.
Risk: Lower risk compared to small and mid cap funds.
Returns: Steady returns with moderate growth.
Mid Cap Funds
Growth Potential: Invest in medium-sized companies with higher growth potential.
Risk: Moderate risk with higher returns compared to large cap funds.
Flexi Cap Funds
Flexibility: Invest across large, mid, and small cap companies.
Diversification: Offers diversification and balanced risk.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Expertise
Management: Direct funds require active monitoring and management.
Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner provides professional advice and management.
Complexity
Knowledge: Managing direct funds requires extensive knowledge and research.
Convenience: Regular funds through a CFP simplify the investment process.
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Equity Funds: Taxed at 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh after one year.
Planning: Plan your investments to optimize tax efficiency.
Diversification and Risk Management
Balanced Portfolio
Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes.
Risk Management: Reduces overall portfolio risk and enhances stability.
Emergency Fund
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Security: Provides financial security and peace of mind.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitoring: Review your investment portfolio regularly.
Adjustment: Make necessary adjustments based on performance and market conditions.
Final Insights
Your current investments are well-diversified across different asset classes and sectors. To enhance your portfolio, consider starting a SIP in equity mutual funds, focusing on large, mid, and flexi cap funds for balanced growth and risk. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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I'm 29 investing 10k in hdfc midcap, 5k in mirae asset large and midcap, 5k in sbi contra fund,2k in icici prudential small cap,2 k in icici prudential retirement fund,2k in aditya birla euity fund,5k in sbi magnum midcap
Ans: You are already investing Rs. 31,000 monthly in various mutual funds. Your portfolio includes mid-cap, large-cap, small-cap, contra, and retirement funds. This diversified approach is commendable.

Current Allocation
Rs. 10,000 in HDFC Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in Mirae Asset Large and Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Contra Fund
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund
Rs. 2,000 in Aditya Birla Equity Fund
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Magnum Midcap
Portfolio Assessment
Diversification
Your portfolio is well-diversified across various fund categories. This reduces risk and captures growth across sectors.

Midcap Focus
You have a significant investment in mid-cap funds. Mid-cap funds offer high growth potential but can be volatile. Ensure you are comfortable with this risk level.

Small Cap and Contra Funds
Small-cap and contra funds add diversity. They can provide high returns, but with increased risk. Monitor these funds closely.

Retirement Fund
Investing in a retirement fund is wise. It ensures long-term wealth creation for your future.

Insight on Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem cost-effective due to lower expense ratios. However, they lack professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide valuable insights, helping you make informed decisions. Regular funds with CFP advice can optimize your investment strategy.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional advice ensures better fund selection.
CFPs monitor and rebalance your portfolio.
They offer personalized financial planning.
Regular funds provide peace of mind and expert management.
Suggestions for Improvement
Review Midcap Exposure
Consider balancing your portfolio by reducing mid-cap exposure. Diversify into large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.

Increase SIP in Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds offer stability and steady returns. Increasing SIP in these funds can enhance your portfolio's resilience.

Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. This ensures alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds outperform index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks, aiming for higher returns. These funds can adapt to market changes, offering better performance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate market indices, offering average returns.
They lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
Actively managed funds provide opportunities for higher gains.
Additional Recommendations
Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. It should cover 6-12 months of expenses. This provides financial security during unforeseen events.

Health and Term Insurance
Review your health and term insurance coverage. Adequate insurance protects your family and ensures peace of mind.

Long-Term Goals
Align your investments with long-term goals. Define specific financial targets and create a roadmap to achieve them.

Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is commendable. It reflects a balanced and diversified approach. Regular monitoring and rebalancing are key to maintaining a healthy portfolio. Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investments. This ensures you are on track to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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